The Google Pixel 10: What to Expect
Anticipation is building for the arrival of the Google Pixel 10 series. While the official launch date is set for August 20th, at the Made by Google 2025 event, speculation is rife about what the new phones will bring. Will the Pixel 10 address some of the shortcomings of its predecessors and finally deliver the ultimate Pixel experience? Let’s delve into the rumours, leaks, and expectations surrounding Google’s next flagship smartphone.
Price and Release Date
The Pixel 10 family is expected to be unveiled on August 20th. The exact number of models remains uncertain, especially given Google’s recent complex release strategy. The Pixel 9 series saw the introduction of four different sizes, including the mid-range Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which blurs the line between a standard Pixel and a foldable device.
While a simplified naming convention would be welcomed by many, it seems Google is sticking to its current approach. Codenames suggest the Pixel 10 lineup will consist of four models:
- Pixel 10 (codename Frankel)
- Pixel 10 Pro (codename Blazer)
- Pixel 10 Pro XL (codename Mustang)
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold (codename Rango)
Regarding pricing, the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are expected to maintain their current starting prices. However, the Pixel 10 Pro XL could see a price increase. There’s some good news for those interested in foldable phones, with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold potentially seeing a price reduction, bringing it closer to other foldable devices on the market.
Design and Displays
The Pixel 9 introduced a significant design shift, and this design language is expected to continue with the Pixel 10. Leaked renders suggest that the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro will retain the general design of the Pixel 9, including the distinctive camera bar.
The Pixel 10 may be available in bolder colours, such as lime yellow and sapphire blue, with potential colourways named Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, and Lemongrass. Images of a possible Pixel 10 prototype have also surfaced, supporting the design choices mentioned above.
Dimensions for the Pixel 10 Pro XL are reportedly similar to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, suggesting a consistent design approach. The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are expected to have dimensions of 152.8 x 72 x 8.6mm.
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are rumoured to feature 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch displays respectively, with 120Hz refresh rates, 3,000 nits of peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.
Phone case designs for the Pixel 10 lineup indicate potential design tweaks, such as a larger cutout for the SIM tray, a shifted speaker array, and a larger camera bar. Leaked wallpapers could also hint at possible colourways and theming options.
While Google has experimented with Pixel designs over the years, the camera visor introduced with the Pixel 6 has become a defining feature. Although a major redesign isn’t anticipated this year, Google’s history of innovation means surprises are always possible.
The Pixel 9 boasts a brighter AMOLED display with a wet touch feature, allowing screen use even with wet hands. However, Google has been criticised for its low PWM dimming frequency, which can cause eye strain for some users. Google has acknowledged these concerns and stated they are investigating possible improvements.
Cameras
While details are scarce, rumours suggest the base Pixel 10 could feature a triple-camera system for the first time, potentially adding a telephoto lens. A separate leak also hints at the inclusion of a telephoto lens, with the telephoto or ultrawide lens being used for macro shots.
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL models are not expected to receive major camera hardware changes, potentially retaining the same 50MP primary sensor, 48MP ultrawide lens, 48MP telephoto lens, and 42MP selfie camera. However, an upgraded “Pro Res Zoom” capability of up to 100x is rumoured.
Google’s focus on AI-powered software features is expected to continue, with potential improvements to Night Sight Video, Night Sight Panoramas, and Video Boost. New AI tricks for photo and video editing are also anticipated.
Image quality could be enhanced by the Tensor G5 processor, which may include a fully-custom image-signal processor (ISP). Furthermore, video stabilisation is rumoured to be significantly improved, potentially rivaling dedicated gimbals.
Software
The Pixel 10 will almost certainly launch with Android 16, as the stable version of the update is already available on the current Google Pixel 9 series.
Specs and Performance
Leaked storage options and colour variants have revealed potential configurations for the Pixel 10 lineup, including Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, and Lemongrass for the Pixel 10, and Obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone, and Jade for the Pro models.
All Pixel 10 devices are expected to include true Qi2 wireless charging.
The Tensor G5 processor is expected to bring significant performance improvements. The Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 prioritised efficiency, but the Tensor G5 is said to be Google’s first fully in-house developed chip, manufactured by TSMC instead of Samsung. This switch could result in a more efficient and cooler chipset.
Leaked components for the Tensor G5 processor indicate changes in CPU, GPU, video codec, display controller, and image-signal processor. Google is also rumoured to be using a MediaTek modem in the Pixel 10.
Wishlist
- Better Processor: The Tensor G5 is hoped to be a significant improvement over previous Tensor processors, delivering both AI processing power and improved overall performance.
- More Eye-Friendly Display: Google needs to address the PWM dimming issue and offer displays that are both bright and comfortable to view.
- Fingerprint Sensor Changes: A shift to a fingerprint sensor in the power button would be a welcome change for those who find in-display sensors unreliable.
- Design Changes: A return to more rounded side rails would improve the comfort and ergonomics of the Pixel 10.
